How To Recover From Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery is a common procedure done in order to restore proper mobility and functioning of the knee. Knee replacement does not involve amputation or removal of any parts in the knee and legs. The procedure is actually resurfacing or ‘capping’ the surface of the bone where joints meet in order to restore the proper functioning of the joints and bones in the knee by applying a prosthesis that imitates the characteristics and function of real knee bones.

Recovery from a knee replacement surgery usually takes weeks and months. For faster recovery and also to avoid complications from surgery, doctors usually recommend rehabilitative therapies like physical therapy session. Physical therapy is very important for patients who have recently undergone knee replacement procedure since this therapy will not only make the recovery faster but it will also make their lives easier and less painful.

Physical therapy is advised for patients who have undergone surgeries like knee replacement so they can learn to gradually perform basic tasks while adjusting to their new kneecap. Patients will usually feel pain during the initial weeks after the surgery even with slight move. It is important for them to understand and know the techniques to lessen the pain but still be able to do small things they need to do like sitting, lying in bed, walking, and exercising.

Swelling After The Surgery

Mild swelling is a common condition that will be experienced by the patient after the surgery. This condition will cause slight pain but this condition should only last for days or weeks after the surgery. To reduce the swelling and relieve pain after surgery, patients must learn basic physical therapy exercises like the ankle pumps. This exercise is done by raising the ankles and knees above the heart repeatedly for 20 to 30 minutes.

Walking With Crutches

It is common for doctors to recommend crutches for the patient after the knee replacement surgery. This will aid patients to walk while recovering from the procedure. To lessen pain when walking and to avoid dislocation of the bone when walking with crutches, make sure to depend on your weight on your stronger leg together with the assistive device. When going down especially on a stair, make sure to place the crutches first then your weaker leg or the leg that has been operated if only one leg has undergone operation, then the non-operated or the stronger leg to stabilize your stand.